Is CBD right for your pet? Here are some tips for making that decision

As more people become familiar first-hand with the benefits of CBD (cannabidiol), many are hoping their favorite medicinal cannabinoid might help their pets as well. And while there’s still little research on CBD for dogs, horses, and other animals, what we do know is promising.

The good

When it comes to therapeutic uses, cannabis has a long history. It was mentioned in some of India’s oldest writings and was key to eastern clinical practice for thousands of years. But those benefits didn’t gain much western attention until the mid-19th century, when Irish physician William O’Shaughnessy — who had been administering the plant to animals — claimed that hemp (the form of the plant that contains loads of CBD and little to no THC) in particular was not only safe, but might be effective in treating rheumatism, epilepsy, pain, and more.

Skip forward to 2019, and thanks to a mix of anecdotal observation and early studies, CBD might have an emerging place in veterinary medicine. One of the primary benefits being tested in CBD studies is whether it reduces inflammation, potentially making it an excellent option for critters suffering from arthritis, urinary tract pain, or gastrointestinal problems. Preliminary research even suggests that the compound could help with the effects of certain types of epilepsy and cancer. Some folks report that CBD can calm an anxious pet, too.

The risks

While CBD and other cannabinoids act similarly on animals as they do on humans — interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems — there do appear to be some differences. Therefore, precautions are essential when it comes to choosing the right product and figuring out dosing and you should consult with your own veterinarian.

For example, when administered orally via tincture, oil, or cookie, CBD is pretty low risk for some dogs according to the research that has already been done. However, it can cause dogs to experience dry mouth, decreased blood pressure, and drowsiness, all of which can be monitored and mitigated by human caretakers.

Meanwhile, cats seem to have a similar sensitivity to THC as humans, but dogs are more vulnerable to the psychoactive compound’s potential toxicity, perhaps because of their higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains. So, until more research is done, make sure that when you’re looking for a CBD product for your pet, you stick to options with little or no THC — choosing a hemp-derived product is an easy way to avoid accidentally getting your pets high. In addition, like many plants, cannabis has been shown to change how other medications are metabolized, so always communicate with your veterinarian about any changes you might make.

Fortunately, because of CBD’s growing popularity, more research is under way — including an American Kennel Club-sponsored study at Colorado State University in Fort Collins — so our understanding of cannabis’ best and worst effects is only getting better.

The products

Right now, there are a number of animal-oriented CBD products available. The most common forms are oil, tinctures, and critter-specific edibles — for example, pellets for equines, cookies for dogs, or chews for cats. But not all products are created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the best for your best friend.

• Make sure you are buying CBD oil. Hemp oil is a lovely dietary supplement, but it won’t have the active cannabinoids that make it medicinal.
• Know the potency. While we don’t have dog dosing dialed in yet, you’ll be better able to get it right if you buy a consistent product. The first step is checking the manufacturer certificate or insert to find details on the amount of CBD in a certain amount. This is also how you can verify that there’s little or no dangerous THC.
• Know what else is in it. Beyond avoiding THC, you’ll also want to make sure that your products of choice don’t contain any additives or toxic substances, such as herbicides or heavy metals. To get the cleanest possible product, read labels, talk to your veterinarian about reputable manufacturers, don’t skimp on costs, and look for something that’s organic.
• Try a tincture. Your dog might be less excited about eating a tincture than a biscuit, but these liquids make it easier for you to adjust your dog’s dose.
• Shop locally. As tempting as it might be to save a few bucks by finding your pet’s cannabis treats online, it’s preferable to buy these products in-store. Not only will you be supporting a local business, you’ll be able to chat with the salespeople about different products and what might work best for your needs.
• Keep your vet in the loop. Because scientific research is still so limited, many veterinarians are hesitant to make recommendations about giving CBD to our non-human companions. That said, it’s still best to keep yours up-to-date on which products you’re using and what dose you’re administering. This way, they’ll be able to watch for possible interactions with other drugs and make sure unexpected side effects aren’t creeping up.

For more information about the safety of CBD for your pets, contact your veterinarian. If you think it might be a good solution for your furry family members, contact Curaleaf AZ for more information.